Preparing Your Property for the Fall Market
It’s not riveting, but it’s necessary. As the Manhattan and Brooklyn summer real estate markets scale back—true to historical patterns—we’re seeing fewer new listings, fewer properties going into contract, and more sellers pulling their homes off the market. Buyers and sellers alike are taking their final vacations of the season, which makes this the ideal time for sellers to reflect if their property didn’t sell during the spring market.
Now is the moment to make interior adjustments, consider price updates, and prepare to recalibrate, reload, and re-launch for the fall market.
As of this newsletter, there are roughly 6,500 listings available for sale in Manhattan. Expect that number to dip just below 5,500 by Labor Day weekend. August isn’t known for listing activity—but it can be a brief window for buyers to find opportunities. Sellers who stay on the market in August are often viewed as more serious—or more motivated—which can present an opening for savvy buyers to strike a deal before fall inventory floods the market.
Contrary to popular belief, September is one of the slowest months for properties to go into contract, but it’s one of the busiest for new listings. It’s important to remember: listings come on the market first, then they typically go into contract about 30 days later. More listings bring more buyers, but the surge in fall supply tends to hit right after Labor Day.
So, how do you get your property ready for fall?
It starts by shifting your mindset: think of your property as a product, not your home. Get the “product” ready for market with a fresh coat of paint, decluttering, and updated staging. Use furniture that appeals to the widest range of buyers—think WestElm, CB2, or even IKEA. You may not love it personally, but that’s not the goal. You want clean, tidy, neutral, and relatable. Buyers need to walk in and imagine themselves living there.
Once the property looks the part, the next (and arguably bigger) piece is pricing.
Pricing a new or relaunched listing right from day one can be the difference between 3 weeks or 3 months on the market. After analyzing thousands of Manhattan sales over several years, the results are clear — listings priced correctly from the start spent a median of just 31 days on the market and sold with only a 1.9% median discount from the original asking price. Overpriced properties lingered, often for months, and closed with far deeper discounts.
There’s a reason your property didn’t sell in the spring—and in markets like Manhattan and Brooklyn, pricing is everything. These markets are incredibly efficient, and if you’re overpriced, the market will tell you in 30 to 40 days. Be honest with yourself, and make sure your broker is honest with you. Consider pricing your property just below competing listings to create a sense of urgency among buyers.
If you’d like more information on how to prepare your home for the fall market—or if you know someone who’s looking for a new direction this season—please don’t hesitate to reach out. The Hoffman Team is always here to help you maximize the value of your most important asset.
Local Happenings
The U.S Open
The U.S. Open runs August 18–September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Don’t miss Fan Week (Aug 18–23) with free events and player practices before the main draw begins.
Click here for more details!
Rooftop at Pier 17
This August, The Rooftop at Pier 17 is bringing the energy with shows from The Fray, Cody Jinks, Fitz and The Tantrums, Andy Grammer, and more. With epic views and summer vibes, it’s one of NYC’s top spots for live music.
Click here for more details!